Elena ran until her legs burned and her lungs felt like they were on fire. The forest blurred around her, the trees becoming a dark, indistinct mass as she pushed herself harder. She didn't know where she was going—only that she had to get away.
Finally, she collapsed against a tree, her chest heaving as she struggled to catch her breath. Her wolf form melted away, leaving her human and vulnerable. She slumped to the ground, her body trembling with exhaustion and fear.
*Kael.*
The thought of him facing the Nightfangs alone filled her with guilt. She had wanted to help, but all she had done was put him in more danger. She clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms. She couldn't just sit here. She had to go back.
But as she tried to stand, a sharp pain shot through her side. She winced, pressing a hand to her ribs. She must have been injured during the fight.
"You're a long way from home," a voice said, startling her.
Elena spun around, her heart racing. A figure stepped out of the shadows, their movements silent and deliberate. It was a woman, tall and lithe, with silver hair that shimmered in the moonlight. Her eyes glowed faintly, a sign that she, too, was a werewolf.
"Who are you?" Elena demanded, her voice trembling.
The woman smiled, though there was no warmth in it. "My name is Selene. And you, Elena Blackthorn, are in need of help."
Elena's breath hitched. "How do you know my name?"
Selene tilted her head, her gaze piercing. "The Silverclaw bloodline is not easily forgotten. I've been watching you for some time."
Elena's stomach churned. "Watching me? Why?"
"Because you are the key to ending the Blood Moon Hunt," Selene said simply. "And because the Nightfangs are not the only ones who seek to control you."
Elena's mind raced. She didn't know whether to trust this woman, but she didn't have many options. "What do you want from me?"
Selene stepped closer, her movements graceful and deliberate. "I want to help you. But you must come with me. There's a place where you'll be safe—a sanctuary hidden from the packs."
Elena hesitated, her instincts screaming at her to be cautious. But the thought of a safe haven, even for a little while, was too tempting to ignore.
"What about Kael?" she asked.
Selene's expression darkened. "Kael is a capable fighter. He'll find his way to us if he survives."
Elena's chest tightened at the word *if*, but she nodded. "Okay. I'll go with you."
Selene led her deeper into the forest, their path winding through dense undergrowth and over rocky terrain. The moon hung high in the sky, its light guiding their way. Elena's side ached with every step, but she pushed through the pain, determined to keep up.
After what felt like hours, they emerged into a hidden valley. Nestled among the trees was a cluster of stone buildings, their walls covered in ivy and moss. A small stream ran through the center of the valley, its waters glinting in the moonlight.
"Welcome to the Sanctuary," Selene said, gesturing to the buildings. "This is where the outcasts and the forgotten come to find peace."
Elena looked around, her eyes wide with wonder. The place was beautiful, but there was an air of melancholy about it, as if it carried the weight of countless lost souls.
Selene led her to one of the buildings, where a fire crackled in the hearth. The warmth was a welcome relief after the cold night air.
"Rest," Selene said, handing her a cup of tea. "You're safe here."
Elena sank into a chair by the fire, her body aching with exhaustion. She sipped the tea, its warmth spreading through her.
"Why are you helping me?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Selene sat across from her, her silver hair catching the firelight. "Because I believe in the prophecy. The Silverclaw bloodline is the key to uniting the packs and ending the cycle of violence. But you cannot do it alone."
Elena frowned. "What prophecy?"
Selene's gaze grew distant, as if she were recalling something from long ago. "It is said that when the last Silverclaw rises, they will bring balance to the packs. But the path will not be easy. You will face many challenges, and not everyone will welcome your return."
Elena's chest tightened. "I don't know if I can do this. I'm not a leader. I'm just… me."
Selene leaned forward, her eyes filled with intensity. "You are more than you think, Elena. The moon has chosen you. And if you embrace your destiny, you can change everything."
Elena looked into the fire, her mind swirling with doubts and fears. She didn't feel like a leader. She didn't feel like the key to anything. But deep down, she knew she couldn't run from this.
"What do I need to do?" she asked finally.
Selene smiled, a flicker of hope in her eyes. "First,
you need to heal. Then, we will prepare you for what's to come."